what is this, and how do I use it?

[aqibtalib]

Hey y'all.

I'm moving into a new house next month and there is a big stone pit in the backyard (pics below). I am having a hard time googling directions on how to use this thing, because I have no idea what it's called. Is it a smoker? It looks like it needs some work, as there is a lot of rust. So, can anyone give me some tips on how to use this thing, or how I can get it in working condition?

Thanks.

[Papa Tom]

Don't know where you are located but I think if you were to visit Smitty's Market in Lockhart you'd see that you have a classic smoker.

[aqibtalib]

Close. I'm in Austin.

Can anyone give me an idea of how I would use this thing? There are two steel doors on the back, and I'm not sure what purpose each serves.

Thanks.

[BluDawg]

Lucky you I realy want one in my yard. I know I coud figure it out,

[Papa Tom]

Since I have never used one I won't be much help but I'll give some generalities.
The fire is located on the concrete slab in front of the lower opening.
The meat is cooked on the expanded metal grates covered by the steel sheets.
The doors in back are probably for clean out and to to make a paper fire to start the convection flow to pull the heat and smoke from the log fire through the pit.

Your gonna have fun with this....

[Boots]

These old (designs often showed up in the 40s and 50s in popular mechanics and other magazines. You might Google brick barbecue pit designs then be able to see some of the schematics of how these things worked. If it were me, I would take out the old grade, take it to a welding or fabrication shop, and have them make me a new clean one. I would also yank out whatever steel doors etc. that I could, have them sandblasted by the same shop, repaint them with 2000° rust oleum, and then reset them using fireproof mortar.

[chashint]

I would like to have this in my backyard too.
The tall end with the door might be able to be used for hanging meat on hooks too.
It will take a little money, but if you are into BBQ and especially backyard parties, this is well worth the effort to bring back into operational condition.

[bruno994]

That's awesome! I would love to have one in my backyard, front yard, either way!

[wyliepirate]

Very cool.